Major reform in PNG: challenging but interesting

Whatever, there will have to be a process so a realistic national vote can take place.

Just how candidates would be chosen is a complex issue. PNG has not held national referendums. There is no guarantee it would be smooth or transparent.

James Marape would be in the box seat to win. But again, not guaranteed.

It would be instructive to consider the pitfalls in the process.

As I read it the proposal, though worth considering, won't proceed. But I might be wrong.

An alternative might be to look at how the parliament might be made to work more effectively.

It is well short of doing so today.

Readers may recall I suggested Australia establish a Pacific institute to promote parliamentary democracy.

In our immediate region parliamentary democracy remains fragile. It needs to be strengthened.

In the Solomon Islands it is being undermined, almost certainly with China's active encouragement.

China has no interest in encouraging democracy in our island neighbours.

We have every interest in encouraging it.